University College Cork

During my undergraduate studies, I was introduced to the value of genomics in research. I completed a largely bioinformatics-based final year project in plant genetics, and was eager to continue down this avenue of study. The MSc programme in UCC really appealed to me because of the modules they offered, as well as the opportunity to complete a summer research project. The MSc programme has allowed me to develop my skills in a number of areas. We were taught coding (in Python, R and SQL), mathematics (statistics and discrete maths) and genomic data analysis. It was a steep learning curve at times, but we learned a lot. I’d like to complete a PhD in bioinformatics, and the skills that I’ve learned in UCC will be an invaluable resource to help me fulfil this goal. It has also provided me with the opportunity to get to know some lecturers in UCC, who I will hopefully get a chance to work with in future.

I absolutely love maths and its logical problem-solving element. I enjoyed programming from my undergrad, and so this programme was the natural way to go to learn more about a field that incorporates both of things I like in a practical financial context. It was not so much learning off formulas and theory but to develop a logical, mathematical way of thinking to approach complicated problems in finance. The programme has helped me learn a lot more and develop skills that I know that are in high demand in the finance sector. I have already secured an internship focusing on credit risk modelling for the summer while I complete my thesis. As for how the university helped me in my career aspirations, there are so many resources available in UCC to gain insight into interviewing, creative job searching and improving your CV by the UCC skills centre and it’s absolutely free for UCC students. It’s a really good resource. There are also other things I have been involved in UCC like societies and academic boards which have put more credibility to my skillset and CV, while meeting some really wonderful people contacts for the future.

I chose this programme at UCC because it had a wide array of practical elements, as well as in-depth academic content. This course offers hands-on practical experience in fieldwork, data collection on research vessels, labs, and marine workplace skills such as sea survival and VHF/powerboat licences. This course has far exceeded my expectations and given me a solid understanding in the principles of marine biology and practical skills allowing me to pursue a career in research as a PhD student.

I had done a BSc in Chemistry back in Greece and I was interested to specialise in the food sector. With that in mind it was easy to choose UCC as it has one of the best Food Science programmes around the world. Through job fairs and the gentle encouragement of my supervisors I was able to find a graduate programme in the food sector directly after graduating.

I chose to study a Masters by Research in Plant Science for a few reasons. Namely, during my time in UCC as an undergraduate in Genetics, I became very fond of the topic of plant genetics, and molecular science. I was lucky enough to secure a literature project in 3rd year around the topic, which I followed on with my final year project, involving genetic modification of potatoes. I decided I wanted to pursue the field of research in my 4th year, and applied for a Masters by Research in BEES, with a project that would follow on from my final year project. I felt like there was more I wished to achieve in this area, and I wanted to get deeper into research as a whole, and learn new skills. Most importantly, I realised that working in industry was not for me, and that I always wanted to be trying new experiments and concepts, and I feel like this Masters suited that train of thought. Thanks to the degree I took, I was able to work as a Research Assistant immediately after I qualified. I spent a year working in a start-up company, which was immensely beneficial and interesting. I feel like I would not have had this opportunity had I not chosen the degree I did.

I chose this degree as it was research focussed and I felt it would best prepare me for a career in scientific research. This masters allowed me to tailor the project to my own specific interests. I am now working as a research assistant where many of the technical and communication skills I developed during this programme are used every day. This masters is very lab focused, which is important in any research career.

The three areas that have most interested me are mathematics, finance and programming/software development. Each one is fascinating in its own right, but I want to see how all of these can be leveraged together to build and develop systems that work and bring value to the industry and give insight to complex dynamical systems like the financial markets. For many people looking to get into the field of quant finance, a masters is often considered as a minimum requirement (and a PhD preferrable), so it was paramount that I undertake a masters just to get in the door of quant finance! Having come from a similar undergraduate UCC degree (Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science), this MSc programme in UCC helped me to polish the programming skills that I already had, and to consolidate the fundamentals of financial mathematics that I had already learned. Thanks to what I had learned and developed through this MSc programme, I was able to demonstrate a good understanding of the methodologies and risk management framework on which my current company (Acadia) builds upon with their analytics software, and I was able to get up to speed with our full tech stack at a quick pace.

I was overjoyed to have been selected for UCC’s elite MEngSc Mechanical Engineering (MPAS) programme. While studying about what the programme had to offer, I realized how captivating the structure of the course is, and how well it incorporates the latest industry standards, Industry 4.0, in its structure. It not only focuses on the core mechanical modules but also on other fields including the data science, pharma, and biomedical industries. I felt this programme would fit perfectly with my goals and push me to excel professionally.

The programme was intensive and required rigour and discipline. It helped nurture my skills of time management, organization, and prioritization, but most importantly it taught me patience. It taught me that success comes slow, and you need to stay determined to reach where you want to go. It prepared me for the challenges I was to face soon after graduation, a lesson that will remain with me forever.

After completing my degree in Genetics, I knew that Bioinformatics was the next step for me. I really enjoyed the Bioinformatics modules in my undergrad. I also liked how many new doors it would present to me in employment. I knew that this Masters would be challenging, however, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I have opened up another world of job opportunities by doing this course. I have expanded my skillset to the point that I am now considering jobs in sectors that I have never thought would be possible for me. The course content has allowed me to learn how to confidently code – a skill that was almost non-existent to me before starting this course. I have gained invaluable knowledge into areas of data science and mathematical modelling. By having the ability to delve into these areas of informatics, I have now learned that I am very interested in areas that I wouldn’t have even considered prior to doing this course.